Liverpool wraps up preseason with win and draw on same day

Liverpool concluded their preseason preparations on Sunday with two contrasting matches at Anfield, showcasing both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. The day began with a commanding 4-1 victory over Sevilla, followed by a goalless draw against Las Palmas in a behind-closed-doors encounter.

Dominant display against Sevilla

In the afternoon fixture, Liverpool put on an impressive show against Sevilla, marking Arne Slot's first game in charge at a packed Anfield. The Reds took control early, with Virgil van Dijk making his return to the starting lineup alongside fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch. The match saw Liverpool's attacking unit in fine form, as Diogo Jota opened the scoring with a stunning volley from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross in the 30th minute. Luis Díaz doubled the lead shortly after, cutting inside and firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Díaz added a second goal before halftime, finishing off a beautifully orchestrated move that involved a clever exchange between Mohamed Salah, Jota, and Dominik Szoboszlai, who provided the assist.

The Anfield crowd, particularly those in The Kop, showed their appreciation for Slot, serenading him with a song set to the tune of "Live is Life," a tribute originally created for Jürgen Klopp. Sevilla managed to pull one back in the second half through a well-placed curl from Peque Fernández, but Liverpool quickly restored their three-goal advantage when 17-year-old Trey Nyoni scored with a technically brilliant strike, sealing a 4-1 victory.

Hard-fought draw against Las Palmas

Later in the evening, Liverpool faced Las Palmas in a quieter affair, with the match played behind closed doors. This second fixture of the day saw several changes in the lineup, allowing Slot to rotate his squad and give game time to 31 players across both matches. Despite a strong performance, the Reds were unable to find the back of the net. Andy Robertson came closest, striking the post with a curling effort from the edge of the area. Darwin Nunez also had a goal ruled out for offside, and Cody Gakpo made his first appearance of the summer but couldn't convert his chances. Las Palmas threatened on a few occasions, with Caoimhin Kelleher called into action to prevent the visitors from taking the lead. A crucial save late in the game from Ivan Gil ensured the match ended in a stalemate.

Final preparations before the Premier League

Overall, Liverpool's preseason finale provided a valuable opportunity for Arne Slot to assess his squad ahead of the Premier League opener. The 4-1 win over Sevilla highlighted the team's attacking potential, while the goalless draw against Las Palmas allowed the team to work on their defensive solidity. Liverpool will now turn their attention to their first competitive match of the season, as they face newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 17, at 1:30 PM. The Reds will be looking to carry the momentum from their preseason into the Premier League, aiming for a strong start to the campaign.